You know those aesthetic seasonal “Morning/Night Routine!” videos on YouTube that are so staged and probably not consistently followed? That’s not what I’m talking about here.
Ever since about the fourth grade when I would straighten up my room, take a shower, read for 30 minutes, and then go to bed, I’ve established my own night routine. I loved the feeling of preparing for sleep; I realized I slept better and felt more ready to start my day when I woke up in the morning. I’ve always loved the process of going to bed, and I believe it deserves its own sort of ritual.
Since maybe the start of this (calendar) year, I lost the real sense of a night routine. Of course I took a shower, brushed my teeth, set my alarm, and then got into bed to sleep, but I lacked that sense of a steady night ritual. A few weeks ago, I decided to start it back up and I feel so much better!
Inspired by a new journal and some lavender essential oils I bought from TJ Maxx, I set out to create a night routine that was sustainable for my schedule. After a busy day of school, extracurricular activities, and countless hours of work and study, I didn’t have time or energy for a long process before I go to bed – I’m usually half sleep before I get the chance to get into bed anyways.
I developed the following routine, which has proved to be very effective in recent weeks:
First, I clear off my desk for the night, and write myself any notes of things I need to remember to do in the morning. This helps to prevent me from going over things multiple times to try not to forget that I need to do it. // letting go of the day
Next, I grab my pajamas and head to the bathroom. I take a shower, moisturize my face, and brush out my hair. // relaxation
After that, I go back to my desk and take out my planner. I check off everything that I did for that day (although I vow I will not do more, it’s time for bed) and fill out the gratitude section of my planner. // ending the day on a positive note
Once I’m done with my gratitude journal, I head back to my bedroom and turn the lamp on aside my bed, allowing for just enough light to complete my routine. Then, I apply lotion and turn on the heating pad (it helps with my back problems) // relaxation
When I’m done with that, I text my closest friends good night, and set my alarm for the night. This is the point where phone comes out of the picture for the night. // winding down
The next step is to fill out my journal. I write whatever comes to my mind about the day, what’s to come, or random thoughts. // clearing my mind
I put on a small amount of lavender essential oils to relax and prepare my body for sleep. // relaxation
Finally, I turn out the light, get comfy, say a little prayer, and drift off to sleep.
It might sound a bit complicated, but total it takes about 10 minutes (that’s discounting the shower). I’ve done this consistently for over a week now, and I’m loving it!
I strongly recommend that if you don’t have a morning routine to develop one. If you do have one, share it with me below! 🙂
❤ Alicia
